Snow? In the Eastern Panhandle? Time to break out the skis—the kind that will take us anywhere, usually called “cross-country” or “nordic.” For those who’ve not tried these skinny boards, it’s just about as easy as walking. For those of us who’ve been skiing cross-country for years, we might be thinking, “Will my spouse really notice if I buy another pair?”
To enjoy one of the healthiest, most enjoyable sports suitable for ages two to 102, you need only a few items: boots, skis, and bindings (the device that connects boots to skis). In the eastern United States, “waxless” skis—compared to smooth-surface skis that require a wax in order to grip the snow—are most popular, and suitable for any condition. Poles can be handy, too, but beginners are better off learning without the use of poles to refine balance. Borrowed gear can help introduce novices to the sport, but it helps if the boots fit. Used gear is usually a good deal, and both new and used gear are available on-line. Boot fit and ski length—appropriate to height, weight, ability, and intended use—are important, though, so a shop that sells packages is often the best path to take.
So now you have gear—and a positive attitude. Where to go? Streets and sidewalks are fun when we get a big dump, but the snow is usually wet. Morgan’s Grove Park and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath are accessible and will usually feature tracks by those who got out of bed earlier than the rest of us. Within a three-hour drive of Jefferson County, favorite spots include New Germany State Park, the Cross-County Ski Area in Laurel Ridge State Park, and White Grass Touring Center and Blackwater State Park in Canaan Valley. Laurel and White Grass offer rental equipment. In addition, most downhill ski areas also provide a groomed track for cross-country and welcome telemark skiers (a type of downhill descent at the door to nirvana).
Kick and glide, with a slight forward lean—at a pace like walking. That’s it. Soon you’ll be enjoying winter in a different way.
Note to adults with small children: White Grass Cross-Country Ski Center in Canaan Valley offers a program in which you pay one fee and your child can exchange equipment as they grow, up to age 16.
108th Annual Christmas Bird Count
by Mike Kelly
If you are looking for a good way to take a break from all the holiday celebrations, or you need to walk off some of those extra Christmas cookies you ate, consider participating in one of the many Christmas bird counts in the area. There are several dates and places to join this important century-old conservation effort.
The annual Christmas bird count is sponsored by the National Audubon Society. It was started 107 years ago as an effort to take a tally on bird species. According to the National Audubon Society the bird count originated from an annual Christmas bird hunt—a contest to see who could shoot the most birds. Today over 50,000 volunteers across the Americas take part in the count. The primary use of the information collected is to “monitor the status and distribution on of bird populations across the Western Hemisphere.” The Christmas bird counts, combined with other bird surveys, can provide a comprehensive picture of how bird populations are doing. Locally the bird counts, gathered over the years, can help show how habitat loss, ground water contamination, or other local conditions affect local populations.
The Audubon website www.audubon.org has more information on the complete history of the Christmas bird Counts and explains the usefulness and important role this data gathering tool provides researchers.
Have you always been a sideline birder, waiting for the chance to spot new bird species or share your knowledge with other birding enthusiasts? Do you need a good excuse to get away from the relatives and spend a few hours or the whole day counting birds as part of a national conservation effort and a 100-year tradition? If any of this sound good, locate a count near you and take part in this fun and valuable effort and remember, it’s for the birds. Here are some of the local counts.
This year the Potomac Valley Audubon Society is sponsoring a Christmas bird count January 5 in the Inwood area. Anyone who enjoys watching birds and being outside in cold, wintry weather can take part. Beginner birders will be teamed with more experienced participants. To register or get more information, contact Bob Dean (304) 754-3042 or bobdean52@aol.com.
The Central Loudoun Christmas bird count takes place in Loudoun County, Va., December 28. The count spans the Loudoun countryside and covers 177 square miles north to Waterford, south to Aldie, east to Ashburn, and west to Purcellville. As with the Potomac Valley Audubon Society count, all are welcome, and beginners will be teamed with veteran birders. This count is sponsored by the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. For information, contact Joe Coleman at (540) 554-2542 or jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.
Marylanders host several counts. Locally there is a count in Washington County (Boonsboro). Contact David Weeser, (301) 432-7718. There also is a count on Catoctin Mountain. Contact Mike Welch, (301) 874-5828. For information on other Christmas bird counts in Maryland and for a complete list of all Maryland counts, check out the Maryland Ornithological Society website, www.mdbirds.org.
